Marvin Methodist came out of the congregation located in Green Hill in the 1830s. The Marvin Methodist congregation purchased the present site of the church in 1899 and the church was built in 1900. It was named for Bishop Enoch Marvin. The land the church is built on is covered by a Warranty Deed dated December 6, 1800. This bit of sketchy history is all we have and we are hopeful that someone will come forward with some more. The church is a beautiful structure and is one of three churches located on Church Row in Louvale. Church Row came about as a result of land donated by Dr. William H. Tatum. Dr. Tatum had acquired land adjacent to the Antioch church and donated some of it, first to the congregation of Marvin Methodist church and later to the New Hope Baptist congregation.
The church makes a beautiful architectural statement that is entirely appropriate to the location, access ramp notwithstanding. It has a corner tower with a prominent belfry. The front entry is on the side through the tower and then into the sanctuary. The structure is beautifully maintained by the present congregation and it is obvious that the congregants of Marvin Methodist have been good stewards of this historic jewel in a remote location in Stewart County.
This is just a wonderful example of a Georgia back country church that is deceptively simple, yet the artistry of the interior design is powerful. The offset front entry through the tower in the main sanctuary is further emphasized with the asymmetrical arrangement of the pews. The large four over four windows are clean and functional yet the amount of light that wanders in from the countryside is amazing.
This black and white image is a lovely study of the light, shadows and shading that makes the sanctuary glow and almost overwhelms you with the reverence of the setting.
The sweet Georgia countryside is a fitting backdrop for the contrast of the painted walls versus the deeply stained floor. The light that plays off of the beautiful hand rail surrounding the chancel is a delight to the eye.
The front of the church is a beautiful study of wood……… oak versus pine, paint versus stain and the wonderful symmetry of the furnishings. Generations of rural Georgians have received inspiration and salvation from this very podium.
Thank you parishioners of Marvin Methodist for your loving care and your stewardship of this historic treasure. Well done thou good and faithful servant.
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